Help preserve our future
West Dean is part of a registered charity and relies on the support of generous donors, friends, legacies to help us deliver world-class education in conservation and the creative arts and maintain our award-winning gardens.
Bed and Breakfast
Stay in the historic house, home to West Dean College of Arts and Conservation* in West Sussex, in single, twin or double rooms.
Bedrooms are mostly traditional in style with a smaller number of contemporary style rooms. You can expect a peaceful stay as all rooms are without a television. Rooms are located in the house or in the Old Vicarage, a 19th century house situated behind the College.
Bed and breakfast is from £88 per room per night. Availability varies as we are a working college with a popular short course programme that includes a residential option.
If you're booking accommodation as part of a short course, you will need to do this with your course booking.
Relax in beautiful surroundings
An escape to West Dean House, set in 6,400 acres of countryside, offers a retreat location with stunning views and the tranquil West Dean Gardens which you can explore during your stay.
Wander through the 300 foot-long Edwardian Pergola and the Victorian Glasshouses; these are some of the few still in use in the UK. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take some time out to explore St Roche's Arboretum and its 50 acres with hidden glades and impressive views.
Enjoy a game of croquet or bowls on the lawn, overlooking the South Downs. In the summer months you can also use the outdoor heated swimming pool.
There is plenty of free parking.
Things to do
Just six miles from the historic city of Chichester and a few minutes' drive from Goodwood Racecourse, there is plenty to do during your stay:
Sustainability at West Dean
Sustainability is important to us and all of the hot water and heating needs of guests are met entirely and on a sustained basis, by our state-of-the-art wood-chip fired biomass heating system, which uses wood fuel grown on West Dean Estate.
New trees are continually being planted across the 2,000 acre woodland to ensure this renewable source of energy can be sustained.
Additionally, hand wash and lotions bottles are refilled throughout the college, and a newly installed milk fridge in the College dining room reduces our use of plastic. Our vegetable deliveries come in reusable containers, and we aim to use as many locally sourced ingredients as possible.
FAQs
How will social distancing operate?
The College is encouraging distancing as the best means of reducing transmission. This will be reflected in how we set up classrooms and workshops. In some cases student numbers may have been reduced to facilitate this. Break times will be set to reduce congestion within the common areas where necessary.
Do I have to wear a face covering around the building?.
These can reduce the risk of transmission particularly in areas where social distancing is not possible such as public areas i.e. corridors and rest rooms. All College staff will be wearing face coverings in these areas and we hope our students will too:
- Face coverings will be donned before entering any building where practical.
- Face coverings will be worn whilst traversing corridors where other guests, students and staff may be present
- Face coverings will be worn in communal areas unless social distancing can be maintained (such as once seated in the refectory, bar or restaurant.
What time is check-in-check-out?
Rooms are available from 3pm on your day of arrival. On your last day checkout is by 11am. Please hand your key to the front desk when you check-out.
Can I arrive early?
Please contact the College prior to arrival and our Housekeeping team will endeavour to have your room ready.
Read more FAQs
What personal sanitisation measures will be in place?
The College has invested in extra washroom facilities as well as sanitising stations where appropriate. We would ask that all guests wash their hands regularly in line with national guidance. This is particularly important before and after visiting washrooms in common areas. Regular sanitising is also recommended especially before entering and upon leaving common areas. Hand sanitising stations are available throughout all buildings onsite.
What happens if I’m unable to access the building due to result of the temperature check?
Sadly, you won’t be able to stay with us as planned however we will hold all your monies in credit for one year for you to use on another booking.
What happens to my booking if I’m unable to stay due to having to self-isolate or I’m traveling from somewhere that is now in lockdown?
We will hold all your monies in credit for one year for you to use on another booking.
What will happen to my booking if there’s a lockdown that means the College closes?
Our bookings team would get in contact with you as soon as possible and advise on the situation. If we have to cancel a booking, as per our terms and conditions, you will be entitled to a full refund.
Has cleaning been increased throughout the building?
Cleaning and Housekeeping staff have received extra training and access to appropriate materials such as cleaning fluids to keep surfaces clean and safe. Hard surfaces particularly in common areas will be regularly sanitised. The regularity of washroom checks and cleaning has also been increased.
What should I do if I feel unwell throughout my stay?
Let our friendly Front Desk Team know as soon as possible, and they will be able to assist you with the next steps.
Are you supporting the Government’s Test and Trace scheme?
Yes. The Government's Test and Trace scheme requires that the names and telephone numbers of visitors are made available to help stop the spread of Covid-19.
Is there a TV in my room?
No, none of the rooms at the College have televisions. We do have excellent free Wi-Fi throughout the buildings should you wish to bring a laptop or tablet.
Where to find us
The College and Gardens are on the A286, six miles north of the historic city of Chichester and 60 miles South of London.
Arriving by road
The postcode is PO18 0QZ. If arriving by car, drive up to the main entrance and park to one side while you register and obtain your room key. If your room is located in the Main House, you can unload and then take your car to the car park. If your room is located in one of our annexes, the Student Welcome team will provide you with directions on where to park. You will be required to give you registration plate to the front desk on arrival. Parking is free in all car parks on site.
Arriving by bus/rail
The nearest train station is Chichester (from London Victoria). The number 60 bus will stop on the opposite side of the road just up from the main college entrance.
Contact us
To book bed and breakfast please email bookingsoffice@westdean.ac.uk or call 01243 818300 (Option 2).
Due to the historic nature of West Dean House, we regret that we cannot allow children to stay in the property overnight.